Yellowing after name removed...

[H2ONUT]

I removed the name from the transom, painted letters. I used the oven cleaner method and it worked great.

Behind the old lettering, the fiberglass has some yellowing. I used the oven cleaner again, and then used vinegar to clean the fiberglass. Most of it is gone, but there are still some yellow areas.

I then wet-sanded with 600, then 800, then 1200. Still yellowing...

Any ideas on what I can use? Or am I just going to have to live with it...

 

[RiverRat]

You may have to live with it... Whats probably happened is the solvents from the paint have been absorbed into the gelcoat causing it to discolor. At this point I'd point your transom into the sun as much as possible and let the sun bleach it a bit. Now that the lettering is no longer there holding those solvents in it may lighten a bit over time. But don't hold your breath. Oh, I wouldn't wax that area either.